Roast Christmas Pig a lo Cubano

Roast Christmas Pig a lo Cubano

An illustrated guide to the "caja china" magic box

Lechón, or suckling pig, is the centerpiece of a Caribbean Christmas. Converts say roasting the pig in a Caja China, or “magic box” achieves the crispiest skin and moistest meat in the least amount of time. It’s not certain exactly when Cubans starting roasting their pork in a wooden box, but the name Caja China refers both to the barbecue method of Cuban Chinese immigrants and the fact that the box performs the amazing feat of roasting a pig in under four hours. (The word “Chinese” can connote illusion in Spanish-speaking countries.)